NBA insider proposes how the Clippers acquire James amid shocking deal proposal

According to F/W contributor Sidante Gupta, US sports media. After James decided to opt to join his $52.6 million contract, the Lakers’ offseason plan took a huge energy shift. With increasing speculation that James would demand a deal if the Lakers fail to form a competitive roster, The Athletic’s Fred Katz made an unlikely deal proposal for the Los Angeles Clippers to acquire the star forward.

After choosing to sign a contract with the Purple Gold Corps, the 40-year-old said he would ask for a deal if the team did not build a lineup that would fit the game. By doing so, James effectively sent an ultimatum to the Lakers front desk. Although interest in the striker was quite low initially, new inquiries have already flowed in. This may be due to the Lakers' poor efforts to complete signing and trades, which have so far only won Laravia and Ayton. The front desk moves didn’t inspire any confidence in the fan base, thus increasing the likelihood that James would ask for a deal before the new season began. With this possibility in mind, Katz proposed two potential deals that would effectively shake the Western Conference by sending Lakers stars to the Clippers.

The Clippers parted ways with James and three role players

The Clippers got: James

Lakers got: Powell, Bogdan, Jones Jr.

For the Clippers, James's joining immediately completed their Big Three, and James was headlines next to Leonard and Harden. James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game, especially at the age of 40. Seeing these data translated into the Clippers' gameplay will greatly strengthen their starting lineup. Leonard's two-way abilities complement James' organization and scoring skills. As Harden also improves the team's offense, the Clippers will undoubtedly become one of the best teams in the West. In addition, in this case, James' experience playing under coach Lou will also become a valuable factor.

The Clippers are going to give up the trio of Powell, Bogdan and Jones Jr. have performed very well last season. Powell has performed very well this season, averaging 21.8 points per game, becoming Los Angeles' third-scoring choice. Meanwhile, Bogdanovic continues to be a scoring threat from the bench, averaging 10.8 points per game, shooting 42.7% from the field and 36.3% from the 3-point line. The efficiency of these two players is only supported by Jones Jr.'s defensive work, which brings the added benefit of being Doncic's teammate. He averaged 10.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, providing solid defensive support and a solid offense. Each of these players played a crucial role in the Clippers last season. By trading all of these players for James, Los Angeles could hinder the team’s chances of growing and winning it all. With bench rotations diminished, the Clippers may be forced to overuse their starters, opening up the possibility of injury derailing the season again.

The Clippers exchange Leonard for James

In the more unlikely situation, the Clippers and the Lakers may trade swaps, send Leonard to the Lakers, and bring James to the Clippers. Apart from the short-term gains of the Clippers, deals of this nature have little long-term value. If such a deal happens, the Clippers will get a 40-year-old James who has performed consistently this season and is still able to bear his weight offensively. His ability to influence the game is sustainable and shoulders the burden of organizing the offense, and the star is able to focus on scoring and facilitating the offense of the team’s shooter.

At the same time, the Lakers will face one of the most risky and rewarding stars in the league. Last season, the 35-year-old forward averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. Those numbers rose significantly in the playoffs, when the forward led the team against the Nuggets. The potential fit between players like Leonard and Luca Doncic is incredible. As Doncic handles the organization's offense and the forwards anchor the defense, the Purple and Gold Army will become a threat to any team in the West.

But Leonard's health concerns and absence will also make the team feel weak. If the striker suffers a serious injury and misses this season, the Lakers will face major setbacks in the Western Conference competitive environment. All in all, this deal may help both teams improve. But the risks involved in the Purple Gold Legion may make them reluctant to accept such a package. What's next for

James?

James' future scenario depends largely on the Lakers' offseason activities. Ayton's addition should inspire some hope for the team's ability to move into next season. But even more significant actions are still necessary. With Wiggins’ deal still under discussion, and other moves to acquire backup centers, the Lakers’ ongoing lineup construction work needs to be achieved soon.